Thameslink: Full and Standing

A contract for a new fleet of trains for Thameslink is expected to be signed in Summer 2009. There will be 1,100 carriages in the new fleet, which is 380 more than at present. This article discusses what the new trains may look like. Passenger discussion groups have accepted the reality that many passengers will not have room to sit, and thus prefer a design that will allow passengers to stand as comfortably and safely as possible. Passengers have voiced strong objections to designs that include three seats side-by-side because of the awkwardness of accessing the inside seats. Two-plus-two seating is preferred even if it means that more passengers have to stand. The passengers had high expectations for the provision of on-train passenger information. Closed-circuit television cameras will be installed in every carriage to alleviate security concerns. Because these trains serve airports, proper provision for luggage racks is also seen as important, even at the expense of seating space. The passenger expectations will be incorporated into the final design. The first trains should be in service in 2012, with the entire fleet in service by 2015.